Solar Energy in South Punjab/Pakistan: Domestic Users’ Perceptions

Keeping in view the significance of social receiving of energy systems, this study presents data by evaluating domestic users’ perceptions regarding solar energy in Layyah and Bakhar (South Punjab/Pakistan). 120 domestic users were served with structured questionnaires by applying prevailing and inclined trends for solar energy. The findings of domestic users survey revealed that prevailing trend for solar energy is quite satisfactory as 60% of domestic users are already using solar as an alternative and the level of satisfaction is also 60%. General potential and inclined trends for solar energy found 82% in support of solar energy. Solar energy is expedient in a way to manage Pakistan’s energy crisis by focusing on domestic user’s perceptions.&nbsp

Scientific Composite of Solar Energy in Pakistan; Experts’ View Point

The scientific composite of energy resources plays foremost role in introducing any technology. In this study, the scientific dimension of solar energy is measured by using in-depth interviews (IDIs). Eighty-five percent (85%) results of the scientific aspect, are found to establish solar energy as the ‘Best Alternative Energy Mean’ in Pakistan. This study extends the literature on solar energy and features the usefulness of solar energy. This study is beneficial to facilitate the Government of Pakistan to initiate enhanced quality of life and improved business prospects in the new avenues of economic progress.&nbsp

A Review on Antibiotic Resistance and the Use of Medicinal Plants in the Management of Uropathogenic Bacteria

UTIs are the most prevalent infections and are caused by uropathogenicmicrobes such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus spp. Antibiotic resistance has hampered the management of UTIs over the years, with direct repercussions on the treatment cost, the infection severity, and the duration of hospitalization. This review discussed the route of infections, risk factors connected to UTIs, antibiotic resistance issues as well as an alternative therapy to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance. The medicinal plants which have been utilized for thousands of years to cure a variety of ailmentsrepresent a significant antibiotic substitute. This study has included both the therapy of UTIs themselves as well as the use of medicinal herbs to treat uropathogens.This review could help in the development of an effective UTI therapy formulation

Ficus benghalensis as Potential Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase for Hair Growth Promotion: In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Evaluation

The screening of hair follicles, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes through in vitro, in vivo, and histology has previously been reported to combat alopecia. Ficus benghalensis has been used conventionally to cure skin and hair disorders, although its effect on 5α-reductase II is still unknown. Currently, we aim to analyze the phytotherapeutic impact of F. benghalensis leaf extracts (FBLEs) for promoting hair growth in rabbits along with in vitro inhibition of the steroid isozyme 5α-reductase II. The inhibition of 5α-reductase II by FBLEs was assessed by RP-HPLC, using the NADPH cofactor as the reaction initiator and Minoxin (5%) as a positive control. In silico studies were performed using AutoDock Vina to visualize the interaction between 5α-reductase II and the reported phytoconstituents present in FBLEs. Hair growth in female albino rabbits was investigated by applying an oral dose of the FBLE formulation and control drug to the skin once a day. The skin tissues were examined by histology to see hair follicles. Further, FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidants were performed to check the trace elements and secondary metabolites in the FBLEs. The results of RP-HPLC and the binding energies showed that FBLEs reduced the catalytic activity of 5α-reductase II and improved cell proliferation in rabbits. The statistical analysis (p 70%) suggested that hydroalcoholic FBLE has more potential in increasing hair growth by elongating hair follicle’s anagen phase. FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidant experiments revealed sufficient concentrations of Zn, Cu, K, and Fe, together with the presence of polyphenols and scavenging activity in FBLE. Overall, we found that FBLEs are potent in stimulating hair follicle maturation by reducing the 5α-reductase II action, so they may serve as a principal choice in de novo drug designing to treat hair loss

Etiological and Clinical Spectrum of Acute Liver Failure of Infancy in Pakistan

  Objective: To describe the aetiology and clinical spectrum of acute liver failure of infancy at a tertiary care hospital Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from Nov 2020 to May 2021. Methodology: Infants under 12 months of age were enrolled having liver-based coagulopathy (not corrected after two doses of parenteral vitamin K, 10 mg) with INR > 2, whether encephalopathy was present or not. Encephalo-pathy is difficult to identify in infants, so it was not essential for the diagnosis of ALFI in our study. Infants diagnosed with chronic liver disease at presentation or those without final etiological diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 31 infants were enrolled fulfilling the criteria of acute liver failure of infancy and were studied about aetiology and clinical presentation. The mean age of presentation was 4.64±3.16 months, and males predominated in the study group (64.5%). Common clinical features were in descending order ascites in 29 (93.5%), jaundice in 28 (90.3%), pallor in 24 (77.4%) and peripheral oedema in 21 (67.7%). Metabolic liver diseases were the common cause of ALFI, constituting around(18, 58%) followed by sepsis (9, 29%).Galactosemia (11, 35.5%) stands out among the metabolic causes. Conclusion: Metabolic disorders followed by sepsis are the most common cause of ALFI

Variation of hepatic enzymes with Vitamin B12 and D3 levels in cirrhotic patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine variation of hepatic enzymes Vitamin B12 and D3 levels in cirrhotic patients.DESIGN: Cross sectional study.SETTING: Cirrhotic patients in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.PARTICIPANTS: 250 patients in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital with diagnosis of cirrhosis including 141 males and 109 females.VARIABLE PARAMETERS: They include mean ALT, GGT, Alkaline phosphatase levels along with Vitamin B12 and D3 levels in blood.RESULTS: Vitamin B12 levels were 1249.59±487.01pg/ml and 1422.28±627.75pg/ml in males and females respectively while Vitamin D3 levels were found to be 17.15±10.45 nmol/L in males and 14.80±14.24 nmol/L in females. Vitamin B12 levels were found to be positively correlated with the elevation of ALT and were negatively correlated with elevation of ALT, GGT and Alkaline Phosphatase. The ALT levels were 50.0±21.88 in males and 14.80±14.24 in females, Alkaline phosphatase to be 311.46±107.98 in males while female Alkaline phosphatase were 346.47±101.60. GGT levels to be 41.70±10.62 in males and 45.01±13.74 in females.CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients suffering from severe hepatocellular damage have their elevated levels of Vitamin B12 and depressed Vitamin D3 levels in plasma accompanied by a positive association with elevated ALT and GGT plasma level

Ten simple rules to host an inclusive conference.

Conferences are spaces to meet and network within and across academic and technical fields, learn about new advances, and share our work. They can help define career paths and create long-lasting collaborations and opportunities. However, these opportunities are not equal for all. This article introduces 10 simple rules to host an inclusive conference based on the authors' recent experience organizing the 2021 edition of the useR! statistical computing conference, which attracted a broad range of participants from academia, industry, government, and the nonprofit sector. Coming from different backgrounds, career stages, and even continents, we embraced the challenge of organizing a high-quality virtual conference in the context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and making it a kind, inclusive, and accessible experience for as many people as possible. The rules result from our lessons learned before, during, and after the organization of the conference. They have been written mainly for potential organizers and selection committees of conferences and contain multiple practical tips to help a variety of events become more accessible and inclusive. We see this as a starting point for conversations and efforts towards building more inclusive conferences across the world. * Translated versions of the English abstract and the list of rules are available in 10 languages in S1 Text: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, and Thai